Situk River and Saltwater Fishing
July 18, 2025
Sockeye Surge, Saltwater Smiles, and Family Fun on the Situk
After a somewhat hesitant start, the sockeye salmon run has officially come alive here in Yakutat—and just in time to light up the mid-summer action! As of July 15, the Situk River has seen 66,887 sockeye pass through the weir, a strong showing that reflects a healthy and sustained run. The past few weeks have brought peak days of over 9,000 fish, and we’re still seeing good movement with more fish on the way. The river is full of chrome-bright sockeye, and guests are making the most of every cast.
A Slow Start With a Big Finish
Early July brought only modest daily sockeye counts—often just a few hundred a day—but by July 10, that changed in a big way. Daily counts jumped to 6,997 on July 11, 4,682 on July 12, and peaked at 9,020 on July 13. That three-day span alone added over 20,000 fish, and the cumulative total quickly skyrocketed past 60,000 within the following week.
This sharp mid-month surge marked the heart of the run—and it hasn’t disappointed. Whether you’re flossing on foot, floating with a guide, the fish are there and they’re hot. Hookups are coming early and often, and many guests are hitting limits with time to spare.

Pinks in the Mix
While the sockeye remain the headliner, pink salmon have started to move into the lower Situk, especially near tidewater. Though ADF&G doesn’t provide daily pink Salmon counts on the website, the weir has pushed just under 800 total with the bulk of the run yet to show in the coming weeks. With this being an odd numbered year we expect what we around the Yakutat Lodge call “The Pinkocalypse”! At some point you will be able to cross the river on the backs of salmon without getting your feet wet. For families and beginner anglers, pinks are an absolute blast. These fish are smaller but fight well, strike aggressively, and offer nonstop action. We’ve had more than a few first-time fishers leave the river with huge smiles—and sore arms.
Situk River Fish Counts – Official Numbers (as of July 15, 2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the Situk River’s sockeye salmon numbers from ADF&G:
Sockeye Salmon:
Cumulative: 66,687
July 10: 952
July 11: 6,997
July 12: 4,682
July 13: 9,020
July 14: 900
July 15: 3039
Pink Salmon: 784 and climbing!
King Salmon: 836 Large (kings over 28’) and over 2000 total from Jacks to Larges
Coho Salmon: First fish have been seen in the salt; river entry expected within the next week or two.
These numbers confirm what our guides and guests are seeing firsthand: strong sockeye action, pinks on the move, and silvers knocking on the door.

Saltwater Still Cranking — And Here Come the Coho
Out on the salt, things continue to go off. While the king salmon season has officially closed, halibut, lingcod, and rockfish are more than holding their own. We’ve had consistent days offshore with halibut in the 40–80 lb range, and the occasional barn door pushing 100+. Lingcod have been a favorite target this month—aggressive, tasty, and photogenic—and the rock piles are giving up solid numbers of yelloweye and black bass.
And here’s the big news: coho (silver salmon) have started to show up in the salt! While the main run hasn’t hit the bay or rivers just yet, we’re already seeing silvers pushing in nearshore and taking gear from boats working the edges. These early arrivals are aggressive, of decent size, and mean business—just a preview of what’s about to light up the Situk in mid-late August through September!
This is the highlight of our Yakutat Alaska fishing report. Once those coho hit the river in force, expect classic surface-to-bank action with leaping fish and screaming reels. August is shaping up to be a full-on three-species bonanza.

Weather: The Alaska We Dream About
You can’t talk about this summer without mentioning the absolutely stunning weather we’ve had. A stretch of bluebird days, light wind, and warm afternoons has made every outing that much better. Whether you’re on the ocean or drifting through the hemlock and spruce-lined stretches of the Situk, conditions have been about as perfect as it gets.
With no heavy rains in the forecast and steady water levels, things are looking great heading into the next phase of the season.
Life at the Lodge
After long days on the river or out at sea, our guests return to a lodge that blends rustic Alaskan charm with all the comforts of home. Whether you’re grilling your catch, swapping fish stories on the deck, or relaxing in one of our cabins, Yakutat Lodge is designed for both adventure and recharge.
We’ve loved welcoming returning guests and first-timers alike this summer. With each new run of fish comes new stories, new friendships, and more memories forged along these waters.
Looking Ahead: August Is Calling
With sockeye still rolling in, pink salmon poking at the door, and silver salmon just beginning to stage offshore, the best of the season may still be ahead. August brings with it cooler mornings, fiery sunsets, and the high-octane coho action that so many anglers wait all year for.
If you’re looking for variety, excitement, and world-class fishing, now is the time. The Situk is alive, the salt is producing, and Yakutat is showing off in every way.
Book Your Spot Now
We still have limited availability for late July and August, and with the way this season is shaping up, those spots won’t last. Whether you’re after your first sockeye, a hard-fighting halibut, or that explosive coho battle, Yakutat Lodge has the guides, gear, and location to make it happen.
Don’t let this season pass you by. Get in touch and lock in your dates—we’d love to welcome you to one of the finest fisheries on the planet.
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